Source: Haley Considering BBQ Chain Founder As ‘Placeholder’ Replacement For DeMint

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This post has been updated with comment from the SC BEA. 

A Republican source in South Carolina tells TPM Gov. Nikki Haley (R) is considering filling Sen. Jim DeMint’s (R-SC) Senate seat with Chad Walldorf, owner of the Sticky Fingers regional chain of barbecue restaurants. Walldorf is the chair of the South Carolina Board of Economic Advisors and a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Mark Sanford (R). The source says Walldorf is being considered as a “placeholder” choice.

Walldorf’s name is “buzzing” in the state capital of Columbia, the source said. A spokesperson for the Board of Economic Advisors told TPM Walldorf is on a “personal vacation” and can’t be reached for comment on the Senate buzz until “the beginning of next week.” 

DeMint reportedly favors Rep. Tim Scott (R) as his replacement. 

Through Sticky Fingers, Walldorf once paid $50,000 for a portrait of Stephen Colbert to display in its Charleston location as part of a charity drive by the Comedy Central host. Video of Walldorf calling into the show in 2006:

 

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